Fremont Oktoberfest Kicks Off Today – Beer Picks

While the official Oktoberfest in Munich is set to start tomorrow, September 21, the popular Fremont Oktoberfest (SBN sponsor) returns for its 17th year starting today and lasts through Sunday. This festival takes place right in the heart of Fremont and offers more than 100 different craft beers, as well as full liter steins of German beers in their beer garden. In addition to plenty of beer, the festival will feature bands, food, a 5K and more. Admission to the Oktoberfest Village is free and open to all ages, but if you want to enjoy the craft beers in the 21+ Tasting Garden you’ll have to buy a ticket. There are a couple of ticket options. Check out the website for more details.

Simply put, this festival is not put together just for beer geeks. It is most definitely planned with the general population of people who like to drink beer in mind. That means you’ll find things like Blue Moon, Pacifico and Shock Top right next to some of the local breweries you are used to seeing at a Seattle beer fest. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some great beers to try. A few of my picks follow below.

Fremont Harvest Ale – You’re in Fremont, so why not try the namesake brewery’s fall seasonal? This farmhouse-style saison is hoppier than a traditional example of the style, but most of you probably won’t have an issue with that.

Chuckanut Fest Bier – Bellingham’s Chuckanut Brewery is one of the best lager producers in the country, and it would be a shame to miss their version of an Oktoberfest beer. This dark golden version has rich malt flavor and finishes clean and crisp. The other beer Chuckanut is bringing is their smoky Rauchbier, which is probably my favorite offering from the brewery.

7 Seas Rude Parrot IPA – This has become one of the more reliable low ABV (5.9%) hoppy pale ale’s in the Seattle market. For those of you that need a fix of juicy, citrus hops, look no further.

No-Li Wrecking Ball Imperial Stout – There aren’t very many imperial stouts in this lineup, and I’ve never had this one. No-Li’s quality is pretty reliable, so I’d give this one a try. 9.5% ABV…be careful.

Anything from Deschutes – With 7 beers on the list for this festival, you could probably spend several tickets at the Deschutes booth. From strong, dark rarities like Black Butte XXV and 2013 Abyss, to hoppy brews like their Fresh Hop Bitter (booya!), Fresh Squeezed IPA, Armory XPA and good ol’ Mirror Pond Pale Ale, you can’t go wrong. They’ll also have a fresh batch of Jubelale, their winter seasonal.

Seapine IPA or PNW Pale Ale – Most of you probably haven’t had a chance to try anything from Seapine, yet. Here is your chance.

Triplehorn Smoke Fest Marzen – I’m a sucker for smoked beers, and I don’t think I’ve had a bad beer from Triplehorn yet.

Shock Top Belgian White – Kidding. Just want to see if you’re paying attention.